An anti-casino sign near State College. Photo provided
The prospects of the much-anticipated Nittany Mall casino opening before the year 2027 appear grim. Just last month, Bally’s Corporation decided to pull out of the venture, although they had initially projected construction to start in the first half of 2025, contingent on receiving the necessary approvals. Should Ira Lubert not face any outstanding approvals, including required financial backing, the question arises: why will the vacant space of the former Macy’s store remain empty until at least 2025, especially when the latter part of 2024 is now deemed a too-difficult target for commencement?
Ira Lubert’s team may find that their ambitious timeline for a grand opening in 2026 is overly optimistic. As construction timelines shift, a new projection of 2027 is likely, which may result from an array of challenges such as adverse weather conditions and shortages of both construction materials and a trained workforce of 350 skilled individuals. These unforeseen difficulties cannot be understated and will contribute significantly to the delays in the project’s execution.
The joy expected at the 2027 ribbon-cutting ceremony may soon be overshadowed by the harsh reality of a financially struggling Happy Valley casino. Operating round the clock, management may be caught off guard as they witness a significant lack of patronage during most hours, with the majority of traffic concentrated in the fleeting hours between 6 p.m. and midnight each day. Unlike bustling urban casinos where slot enthusiasts spend countless hours, the trend indicates that local patrons may not have the financial means to gamble regularly, especially after previous financial strains.
When individuals exhaust their savings and retirement accounts in their pursuit of fleeting luck, they may struggle to replenish them in time for future betting attempts. Bally’s Corporation seems to have foreseen potential disappointment in the Happy Valley venture. Yet, the limited pool of decision-makers surrounding the Nittany Mall casino may remain blissfully unaware until this eventual disappointment becomes a stark reality. At that juncture, the discussion surrounding selling the property will likely emerge, Ira!
Dan Materna
Howard
Is Borough ‘Enabling Anti-Israel Protesters’?
Last school year, the Penn State Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group organized multiple anti-Israel protests in the wake of Hamas’ brutal October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. Local law enforcement initially provided warnings during the first few protests, ensuring demonstrators understood the rules against blocking roads and informing them of the possibility of arrest should they proceed to do so. At that point, SJP exercised their rights to free speech without crossing legal boundaries.
The situation evolved, however, on Saturday, April 27, coinciding with the highly attended Luke Combs concert at Beaver Stadium. On that day, SJP orchestrated a takeover of key streets including College Avenue, Atherton Street, and Beaver Avenue, causing significant disruption for numerous visitors. Compounding frustrations, the State College police appeared to turn a blind eye, as they seemingly facilitated the event by using police vehicles to obstruct traffic, much to the ire of local businesses and concert-goers. This fall, as the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks approached, SJP once again mobilized in the streets, continuing the trend of police accommodation.
Discussions with members of the police department reveal internal conflict regarding this approach. The State College local government officials are predominantly Democrats, including District Attorney Bernie Cantorna and all seven members of the State College Borough Council. They wield substantial influence over police directives and community policy. The apparent alignment of local Democrats with the protesters raises questions about their response, leading to accusations of enabling anti-Israel sentiments.
Jason Maas
State College
‘Give Trustee Fenchak the Documents’
Once again, we see alumni trustee Barry Fenchak in the crosshairs of the Penn State Board of Trustees. After losing a legal battle to immediately remove him from the board, the trustees launched a PR campaign aimed at discrediting him further.
They composed a “dissent” document, asserting their authority in a judicial matter. However, immutable facts remain relevant in this scenario: I do not personally favor Barry and did not vote for him. However, based on the CECO investigation findings, I agree he engaged in actions that many find objectionable. This sentiment is not contested; even the judge involved in the proceedings declined to besmirch his credibility.
This situation, however, serves as a distraction from the core issue: the board continues to withhold crucial financial information that Barry Fenchak, as a duly elected trustee, has a right to access. FULL STOP. The judge ruled the board’s attempts to dismiss him were invalid as long as his legal case is ongoing.
Additionally, the board has restricted Barry Fenchak from attending meetings, mitigating any perceived threat to the other trustees—a fact evidenced by the absence of any reported harassment instances toward them. Under the leadership of Matt Schuyler, the Penn State Board of Trustees appears to function independently, ignoring its own rules and the overarching legal framework.
An immediate resolution could be realized simply by granting Trustee Fenchak the documentation he is entitled to access. The question remains: why won’t they comply with this straightforward request?
Jeffrey W. Simons
Dallas, Texas
Interview with Dan Materna, Local Community Organizer, on the Future of the Nittany Mall Casino and Recent Protests in State College
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dan. Let’s start with the Nittany Mall casino situation. With Bally’s Corporation pulling out and projections for a 2027 opening, what are your thoughts on the viability of this project in our community?
Dan Materna: Thanks for having me. It’s a disappointing turn of events for many who were excited about the casino. The delays, especially with the former Macy’s remaining vacant for so long, raise serious concerns. Construction issues, labor shortages, and financial uncertainties are mounting problems that could ultimately impact the project’s success.
Interviewer: You mentioned community impact. How do you think the local population will respond if the casino opens? Will it draw enough patrons to sustain its operations?
Dan Materna: That’s the crux of the issue. The expectation for a vibrant casino experience is high, but the reality is that many locals may not have the disposable income to gamble frequently. The risk of a financially struggling casino is substantial, especially if the management finds itself dependent on a small window of late-night traffic.
Interviewer: Shifting gears a bit, there’s been significant discussion around the protests organized by the Penn State Students for Justice in Palestine. How do you perceive the relationship between these protests and local law enforcement’s response?
Dan Materna: It’s a complicated situation. While everyone has the right to free speech, the chaos during the recent protests—especially during a high-profile event like the Luke Combs concert—raises questions about public safety and city governance. The perception that police may be overly accommodating to these protests is leading to frustrations among businesses and citizens alike.
Interviewer: You’re pointing to deeper issues here. Many believe the local government’s response reflects ideological affiliations. What kind of discussions are happening within the community regarding this?
Dan Materna: Definitely. The political landscape in State College complicates things. Many residents are concerned about the local government’s priorities when it comes to law enforcement during these protests. There’s a growing divide in opinions about whether the government is adequately representing all constituents or if it’s prioritizing specific causes. Open discussions and community forums are crucial to understanding these dynamics better.
Interviewer: Lastly, as a community organizer, what steps do you feel need to be taken to address both the casino delays and the protests?
Dan Materna: For the casino, transparency is key. Everyone needs to be kept informed about the project’s status and the real pot of gold that may or may not be at the end of this construction rainbow. As for the protests, fostering community dialogue between youth activists, local businesses, and city officials can help alleviate tensions and ensure that all voices are heard. Inclusivity is essential in shaping policies that reflect the whole community’s interests.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dan, for your insights on these important issues affecting our community.
Dan Materna: Thank you for having me. It’s vital for us to continue these conversations and work together for the benefit of everyone in State College.
Scape in State College plays a significant role in shaping community discussions. Many residents feel that local officials’ alignment with certain ideologies can lead to perceived biases in how protests are managed. This creates a rift in community trust, as businesses and residents question whether their concerns are being adequately addressed. There’s a palpable tension between the freedom of expression and maintaining public order, and it’s clear that many people are looking for a balanced approach that respects both sides.
Interviewer: With everything unfolding, what do you think the future holds for activism and community engagement in State College as these issues develop?
Dan Materna: I believe we are at a pivotal moment. Activism will likely grow as more residents become aware of the impact that these issues have on their everyday lives. We are also seeing a rise in grassroots organizations aiming to unite voices that may feel unheard. If there can be a dialogue that bridges different perspectives, we might find a path forward that allows for both vigorous debate and effective governance. It’s about fostering a community where all voices are acknowledged, whether they support or oppose popular initiatives.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dan. It sounds like both the casino project and the protests are bringing important conversations to the forefront of our community.
Dan Materna: Thank you for having me! These discussions are vital, and I hope our community can navigate these challenges together.
